Blazing temperatures, bustling pollinators, and emerging summer blooms are sure signs that the hot months of summer are here and with them, the arrival of an expansive new array of summer color in the garden. Among other carefree, usual suspects brightening up gardens and making their presence known, Liatris spicata (ly-AT-riss spi-KAH-tuh) sets itself apart from the rest, blooming a breathtaking spire of color beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike.

Native to eastern North America, Liatris spicata, also commonly known as gayfeather or dense blazing star, is a versatile plant, preferring to be planted in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, and thriving in many garden settings including prairie gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens, especially stunning when massed in large groupings. Liatris emerge perennially from modified stem storage organs called corms, from which delicate, narrow green foliage arises to heights of three to five feet depending on species, variety, and site conditions. 

Members of the Aster family, Asteraceae, Liatris blooms are quite unique, producing large flower spikes well over a foot long with rounded, fluffy, purple bunches of composite flower heads blooming prolifically from the top of the spike downward. Each cluster of blooms along the stem is a composite bloom comprised of numerous tubular disc florets, with no true ray florets (petals), their feather-like appearance instead created by their long, thread-like, protruding styles. Blooming from mid-summer to late summer, many excellent varieties of dense blazing star are available, including the gorgeous purple of the compact ‘Kobold,’ reaching 24-30" tall, as well as the beautiful violet of ‘Floristan Violet’ and the unique white blooms of ‘Floristan White,’ both reaching 36-48" tall.

After blooming, flower spikes may be trimmed away, however their fine-textured foliage will persist, providing interest throughout the rest of the season into fall, fading to a wonderful golden color in the garden.

In addition to the classic garden favorite, dense blazing star, there are also many beautiful Minnesota native Liatris species that are phenomenal for local wildlife and pollinators, offering slightly different flower structures and bloom times as well.

          Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)

• • 24-36" H x 12-18" W
  • Full sun
  • Medium or dry well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established
  • Blooms from late summer to fall

          Liatris cylindracea (Cylindrical Blazing Star)

• • 18-24" H x 12-18" W
  • Full sun
  • Medium or dry well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established
  • Blooms from mid-summer to late summer

          Liatris ligulistylis (Meadow Blazing Star)

• • 48-60" H x 18-24" W
  • Full sun
  • Moist, well-drained soils
  • Blooms from late summer to fall

          Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star)

• • 18-24" H x 12-18" W
  • Full sun
  • Well-drained, sandy soils; drought tolerant once established
  • Blooms from late summer to fall

          Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)

• • 48-60" H x 18-24" W
  • Full sun
  • Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of clay soils
  • Blooms from mid-summer to late summer

Happy Planting!